AUSTRALIA’S FIRST POSTMASTER TRIBUTE DELIVERS FOR COLLECTORS

The Perth Mint has released a stunning commemorative coin to celebrate the 200th anniversary ofpostal services in Australia. The release remembers the historic appointment of Isaac Nichols, as aprisoner who became a prominent land owner then public servant when he was appointed as the firstPostmaster of New South Wales in March 1809.

A former convict who had impressed authorities with his dillegence and sobriety, Nichols introduced the secure and orderly distribution of mail brought to the isolated colony by ship.

Prior to his appointment, news hungry residents of Sydney Town rushed to the foreshore, where, in the chaotic scramble for letters and parcels, items were either lost or damaged, while unscrupulouspeople took advantage of the mayhem to obtain mail fraudulently.

Nichols collected correspondence and packages from vessels in Sydney Cove, advertising the namesof recipients who could collect their mail from his home – Australia’s first Post Office – situated nearthe waterfront in Lower George Street.

Perth Mint Sales and Marketing Director, Ron Currie, says it is important to recognise the validcontribution that Australia Post has made to this country.“Australia Post has played a vital role in connecting Australians with each other and the rest of theworld and has helped shape Australia into the great nation it is today.”
“When Sir John Forrest, the first premier of Western Australia, wrote a letter asking permission tobuild a branch of The Royal Mint in Perth, it was Australia Post who delivered the letter to the BritishGovernment.”
Struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality the commemorative coin is issued as Australianlegal tender. The coin’s reverse is testament to The Perth Mint’s outstanding coloured minting skillsand features a coloured representation of Isaac Nichols boarding a vessel in Sydney Cove, along with border inscription 200 YEARS OF POSTAL SERVICE IN AUSTRALIA.

The Perth Mint will release just 7,500 coins, each housed in a black presentation case and illustratedshipper. The Perth Mint’s 200 Years of Postal Service in Australia silver coin retails at $89.50 and is availablefrom The Perth Mint Shop located at 310 Hay Street, East Perth, by FREECALL 1800 098 817, at Australia Post outlets, and leading coin distributors. Alternatively, collectors can purchase the coin via The Perth Mint’s online store at www.perthmint.com.au